

Education
Limerick teacher wins Educator of Excellence Award at BT Young Scientist Exhibition
Pictured are Brian O’Mara, Program Manager Director, Karen Kelly, HR Director, Analog Devices Ireland and Brendan O’Dowd, Managing Director with BTYSTE prizewinners – Analog Devices Educator of Excellence Award winner – Samantha Prior from Coláiste Nano Nagle, Limerick and the Analog Devices Technology Category Award Winner – Tomás Markey from St. Brogan’s College, Bandon Co.Cork with his Project, PM-DAC: A system for removing CO2 from the atmosphere. Photo: Paul Sherwood
Samantha Prior, Coláiste Nano Nagle teacher, wins Analog Devices Technology Educator of Excellence Award as Analog Devices Celebrates 25 Years of BTYSTE partnership

Samantha Prior, a science teacher at Coláiste Nano Nagle, Sexton Street, was announced as winner of the Analog Devices Technology Educator of Excellence Award. This award acknowledges the passion and enthusiasm a teacher displays in encouraging STEM education.
Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI), a global leader in semiconductor technology, marks 25 years partnering with the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) this week.
As a Gold Sponsor since 2000, ADI has remained committed to inspiring future generations of scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians through dynamic, interactive experiences and ongoing engagement with students across Ireland.
The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, taking place from January 9th to 11th at the RDS in Dublin, is Europe’s largest STEM event of its kind, bringing together thousands of students to showcase their innovative projects. ADI’s stand is a perennial favourite, offering visitors the chance to experience firsthand the technologies that are driving advancements in digitized factories, mobility, digital healthcare, climate action, and connectivity.
This year’s stand featured Robotics, an Arcade Corner, Machine Vision game, Kinetic Tower and old favourites like the Floor Piano and Laser Vault.
For the past 25 years, ADI has proudly partnered with BT as a Gold Sponsor of BTYSTE. Each year, an enthusiastic team of over 20 ADI engineers and scientists from the company’s Limerick, Cork, and Dublin offices actively engage with students at the RDS, sharing foundational knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and maths. This collaboration has flourished over the years, benefiting everyone.
“Our team is consistently energised by the innovation, entrepreneurship, and discovery on display each year at the RDS,” said Brian O’Mara, Project Management Director, Automotive Business Unit at Analog Devices.
“The knowledge shared at the event isn’t just a one-way street, we bring that spirit back to our R&D centres to fuel our own drive to innovate.”
Beyond the stand, ADI team members contribute to the judging process and present excellence awards to students and teachers. Through these efforts, ADI aims to inspire the next generation of STEM innovators. Based on the company’s 25 years of involvement with BTYSTE, it’s evident that this approach is making a meaningful impact.

The projects showcased at BTYSTE continue to leave a lasting impression on ADI’s team. “I am continuously inspired by the BTYSTE students and their remarkable drive to ‘innovate for good,’” said Brian O’Mara.
“I remember meeting a shy Richard O’Shea from Blarney, who modestly explained his approach to designing a biomass-fired cooking stove to benefit developing countries. Then there was Emily Duffy, a Transition Year student from Limerick, showcasing her fireproof, waterproof sleeping bag designed for people experiencing homelessness. More recently, Solomon Doyle from Dundalk Grammar School blew me away with his AI-based diagnostic tool to help detect skin cancer.”
These projects resonate deeply with ADI because they tackle real-world issues through creative solutions—whether it’s reducing environmental impact, using technology to enhance everyday life, or exploring the benefits of AI in healthcare. They reflect the same spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that has driven ADI’s success for nearly 60 years.
“For 25 years, Analog Devices has been proud to support the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, an event that inspires and empowers young minds to explore the possibilities of science and technology,” O’Mara added. “As we look to the future, we remain committed to driving innovation and fostering a more sustainable and connected world.”
As well as marking 25 years association with BT Young Scientist& Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE), this year marks a significant milestone for ADI, as the company prepares to celebrate 50 years of innovation and growth in Ireland.
Since establishing its Irish presence in 1976, ADI has become a cornerstone of the Irish technology ecosystem, employing nearly 2,000 people across sites in Limerick, Cork, and Dublin. Recent investments include a €630 million expansion of ADI’s Next Generation Semiconductor R&D and Manufacturing Facility in Limerick and the launch of ADI Catalyst, a state-of-the-art collaboration hub to accelerate innovation.